Celebrating a full year of podcasting feels surreal. What began as birthday week conversations has evolved into a journey of growth, consistency, and unexpected lessons that extend far beyond just hitting the record button.

Starting a podcast requires more than just a good microphone and something to say. It demands clarity about your angle, who you're speaking to, and what unique perspective you bring. As we reflect on naming our show "Elevators," we realize how perfectly it captures our mission – documenting our rise while helping others elevate alongside us. The power of finding the right niche cannot be overstated; it's what draws listeners in before you expand into the multidimensional conversations that reflect real life.

The technical aspects of podcasting – equipment choices, editing software, hosting platforms – can seem overwhelming, but we break down practical approaches for beginners. From leveraging the high-quality camera already in your phone to renting equipment before making major investments, there are smart ways to produce professional content without breaking the bank. And when it comes to editing, remember our golden rule: if you find yourself slightly bored while reviewing your content, cut it immediately. Your audience will thank you.

Perhaps our most valuable insight comes from understanding audience building. The people who support your podcast most enthusiastically might not be your closest friends or family. Instead, focus on creating consistent, quality content that resonates with strangers who become dedicated listeners. Engage with these developing communities through comments, respond to feedback, and maintain posting schedules they can rely on. As we often say, "Nobody wants to be on a ship that's docked – when that ship sails, everyone wants a cruise ticket."

Ready to start your podcast journey? The time will pass whether you take action or not. Why not make that time work for you?

What Really Happened Between Jess Hilarious & Loren Lorenzo? | Navigating Ego, Support & Survival in the Spotlight

When two powerful women walk into the same professional space, are they set up to collaborate—or compete?

In this deeply vulnerable and unfiltered episode, media hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Booth unpack the viral tension between Jess Hilarious and Loren Lorenzo on The Breakfast Club, offering a fresh, honest take that goes beyond surface-level headlines. With years of experience in television, radio, and digital media, they reveal the emotional complexity of what happens behind the scenes when women in media are expected to balance sisterhood with survival.

From postpartum struggles to the silent pain of being replaced, from checking your ego at the door to understanding the importance of identity outside of work—this episode is a necessary listen for anyone navigating high-pressure, male-dominated industries. As Krystal says,

“If one day you're supporting someone and the next day you're competing with them... it was never support in the first place.”

This conversation is filled with real-life stories, career-shaping lessons, and a message rooted in spiritual confidence: what’s for you will always be for you.

You’ll walk away with:

• The truth about maternity leave and mental health in the workplace
• The importance of multiple income streams as a creative or host
• Why genuine collaboration beats silent competition every time
• How to advocate for yourself while lifting other women up

Whether you’ve been the one overlooked, the one filling in, or the one trying to make space for both success and sisterhood, this episode speaks directly to you.

Listen now to shift your mindset and step fully into your power.

#JessHilarious #LorenLorenzo #BreakfastClub #KrystalVega #AmandaBooth #ElevatorsPodcast #WomenInMedia #PostpartumAwareness #WorkplaceDynamics #FemaleEmpowerment #SupportNotCompetition #EgoCheck #CollaborationOverCompetition #MultipleIncomeStreams #WomenSupportingWomen

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Elevator's Podcast

01:43: Breakfast Club Drama: Jess vs Lauren

05:17: Competing vs Supporting Women at Work

08:45: Business is Business: Managing Expectations

14:21: Maternity Leave and Workplace Challenges

19:30: Respecting Boundaries and Checking Ego

25:35: Final Thoughts on Growth and Elevation

In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Monique Rodriguez, founder of Mielle Organics, shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned on her entrepreneurial journey. From bootstrapping her company and surviving tough financial challenges to making history as a Black female founder maintaining majority ownership after partnering with private equity, Monique's story is all about resilience, faith, and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming backlash, balancing family and business, building with her husband, and the importance of mentorship, discernment, and abundance. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is filled with gems you don’t want to miss!

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Lessons in Dark Times and the Cost of Growth
2:00 - The Retail Struggles No One Talks About
4:15 - From a $2 Million Hole to Major Growth
7:25 - Getting into the Right Rooms and Building Community
10:00 - Choosing the Right Opportunities and Saying No
12:36 - Selling the Company: Excitement, Faith, and Guidance
16:17 - Handling Backlash and Trusting God’s Plan
22:42 - Staying Grounded and Keeping Real People Close
29:23 - Building an Empire with Your Partner
39:05 - Monique’s Top Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Elevators Podcast, hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Booze sit down with the visionary founder of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez. Monique shares her incredible journey from being a nurse to building a multi-million dollar beauty empire that now spans 90+ countries and 100,000+ stores.

She reveals the power of faith, resilience, and entrepreneurship, including how she manifested her acquisition by P&G, the struggles she faced, and the wisdom she’s gained from her experiences. From overcoming personal losses to navigating business challenges, Monique opens up about what it takes to build a successful brand while staying true to her purpose.


00:00: Introduction
01:49 - Meet Monique Rodriguez: Founder of Mielle Organics
02:48 - The Power of Friendships & Community
06:34 - Monique’s Journey: From Nursing to CEO
11:57 - Overcoming Hardships & Personal Loss
17:06 - Building A Business: The Right Team & Investments
22:02 - Lessons Learned: Failed Ventures Before Mielle
29:18 - Defining Success: The Moment She Knew She Made It
33:08 - Dark Times & Business Challenges

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ultimate mental spring cleaning – from clearing out mental clutter and shedding dead weight to breaking free from overthinking and setting healthy boundaries. We're sharing real talk about relationships, spirituality, and protecting your peace while keeping it all the way authentic. Ready to elevate your mindset, cut off what no longer serves you, and step into your best self? Tune in, grab your journal, and let’s clear the mental fog together. 🌿✨

💬 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay on this journey of elevation with us!


CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro
02:19 – Podcasting is Therapy
03:17 – Mental Spring Cleaning: Time to Declutter Your Mind
04:10 – Overthinking 101: How to Stop the Spiral and Protect Your Joy
10:57 – The Truth About Boundaries: Are We Setting Too Many?
19:03 – Letting Go of Toxic Relationships and Dead Weight
29:39 – Finding Yourself Again: Stop Losing You in Relationships
33:47 – Digital Declutter: Why Your Social Media Needs Spring Cleaning Too
39:16 – Spring Cleaning Your Spirit: The Power of Daily Faith and Intentionality

Join hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Booz as they dive into the peaks and valleys of life's journey. From relationships and entrepreneurship to friendships and the sizzling topics on social media—all through the lens of modern womanhood. Tune in for real conversations, heartfelt advice, and the motivation to rise above the challenges. Don't just ride the elevator—let's elevate together!


*CHAPTERS*
0:00 - Intro
1:27 - Our Words for the Year: Consistency and Discipline
3:01 - Social Media's Impact on Self-Image
6:01 - The Temptation of Cosmetic Enhancements Discussed
10:00 - The Realities of Content Creation and Social Media Evolution
12:00 - Handling the Downsides of Social Media Exposure
19:45 - Next Steps: Finding the Right Therapist and Self-Growth Through Swimming

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of ElevatHers, Amanda and Krystal dive into everything love, from their favorite V-Day memories to the red flags we often ignore in relationships. They explore what modern love looks like today, share their own experiences, talk about their favorite lovers’ music, and reflect on moments that shaped their journey with love. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or embracing self-love, tune in for a candid conversation on navigating relationships and everything that comes with it—from the roses to the red flags.

In this energizing episode of the Elevator Podcast, hosts Krystal Vega and Amanda Boo break down the art of negotiating your worth in 2025. They reveal how cultivating an abundance mindset—talking to yourself with positivity and confidence—can transform the way you approach deals, whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or working in a corporate setting. The conversation covers everything from preparing mentally for negotiation to practical strategies like researching market rates, setting high initial asks, and following up without seeming pushy. The hosts also dive into the nuances of negotiating beyond just money—discussing benefits like wardrobe allowances, equity, and other non-monetary perks—and emphasize the power of saying “no” when an offer doesn’t match your value. With personal anecdotes, real-life examples, and tips on maintaining composure, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to own their value and secure better opportunities in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to learn how to speak up, stand tall, and negotiate like the confident boss you are!

Chapters

00:00: Intro

00:41 – Mindset Magic: Harness the Power of Positive Self-TalkKick off the episode by exploring how positive self-talk and a confident mindset set the stage for success.

01:07 – Meet Your Hosts: Modern Women, Big AmbitionsGet introduced to Crystal Vega and Amanda Boo as they share their vision and purpose for the Elevator Podcast.

01:26 – 2025 Kickoff: Embrace New Opportunities & NegotiationsCelebrate the new year with fresh energy and a focus on seizing opportunities to negotiate your worth.

02:30 – Negotiate Your Worth: Strategies for Freelancers & EntrepreneursLearn why every opportunity is negotiable and how to elevate your value—whether you’re a freelancer, business owner, or entrepreneur.

2:54 – Do Your Homework: Mastering Research & PreparationDiscover the importance of knowing your market, setting your non-negotiables, and preparing your case before stepping into any negotiation.

4:34 – Mindset Matters: Cultivating Abundance Before NegotiatingDive into how maintaining an abundance mindset and clear mental space can empower you to ask for what you truly deserve.

13:03 – Aim High: Setting Bold Numbers & Defining Your LimitsUncover the secret to aiming high in negotiations—don’t be afraid to set bold numbers and clearly state your limits.

14:15 – Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Negotiation Mistakes & Lessons LearnedExplore the common missteps in negotiation and learn practical tips to avoid them, ensuring you never leave value on the table.

22:01 – Beyond Dollars: Securing Value with Perks & Saying ‘No’Understand that negotiation isn’t just about money—discover how to negotiate additional perks, benefits, and the power of respectfully saying no.

On this episode of Elevathers, we’re bringing the heat—literally! Chef, content creator, and all-around vibe, Alex Hill (@justaddhotsauce), joins us for a real, unfiltered convo on food, wellness, and womanhood and becoming an author. From the flavors that define her kitchen to the deeply personal journey of freezing her eggs, Alex keeps it 100 while serving up gems on self-care, fertility, and finding joy in the process. Get ready for laughs, some ‘aha’ moments, and of course, a little extra sauce!**TIMELINE**00:00 - Welcome to Elevators Podcast!Introduction to the episode and today’s special guest, Alex Hill.1:08 - Meet Alex Hill: The Self-Taught Culinary CreatorAlex shares her journey from marketing to becoming a self-taught cook and food blogger.2:26 - Miami Love & LA LifeAlex talks about her love for Miami and why she calls LA home.3:40 - How Just Add Hot Sauce Was BornThe origin story behind Alex’s unique brand name.6:43 - Food, Culture, & Cooking InfluencesHow her Puerto Rican and Caribbean heritage shaped her passion for food.9:59 - The Secret to Becoming a Better Home CookWhy making mistakes in the kitchen is the key to improvement.18:06 - Fertility, Freezing Eggs & Eastern MedicineAlex opens up about her fertility journey, egg freezing, and the impact of acupuncture.25:41 - Balancing Fitness & Food as a ChefHow Alex maintains a healthy lifestyle while indulging in her passion for food.37:03 - Writing a Cookbook: The Journey & ChallengesBehind the scenes of Alex’s cookbook deal and the long process of getting published.44:50 - Cooking Essentials: Must-Have Kitchen Tools & TipsAlex shares her top kitchen must-haves and the secret to cleaning a cast iron skillet.